Joh 1:4-9 | Family | STEP | In him was life ; he is the author and sustainer of all created natural and spiritual life. The life was the light of men ; the Word is the light and life of men absolutely; since every kind of light and life comes from him. But here the apostle means more especially, that he who is the spiritual life is also the spiritual light of fallen men, "dead in trespasses and sins;" because it is by making them alive to God, that he enlightens them; so that the two gifts of life and light always come together.

‏ John 1:4-9

In him was life; he is the author and sustainer of all created natural and spiritual life.

The life was the light of men; the Word is the light and life of men absolutely; since every kind of light and life comes from him. But here the apostle means more especially, that he who is the spiritual life is also the spiritual light of fallen men, "dead in trespasses and sins;" because it is by making them alive to God, that he enlightens them; so that the two gifts of life and light always come together. Shineth in darkness; sheds its rays among the spiritually ignorant, debased, and wretched.

Comprehended it not; did not understand, and therefore rejected it. Compare chap Joh 8:19; 16:3; Mt 11:25-27; 1Co 2:8,14. John; John the Baptist. Mt 3:1. The Light; the Messiah.

Through him might believe; through the testimony of John, might believe in Christ. He was not that Light; John was "a burning and a shining light," chap Joh 5:35; but he received all his brightness from the eternal Word, who alone is the true Light, because he has light in himself, and is the only source of light to men. Lighteth every man; the meaning is, that all true knowledge is from Christ. As Jesus Christ is the light of the world, all who reject him walk in spiritual darkness, while those who follow him have the light of life. God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shines into their minds, and gives them the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ; and in his light they see correctly spiritual things. 2Co 4:6.